CME E-Mini S&P 500 Sets New Daily Volume Record

Trading volume in E-mini S&P 500 futures soared to a record 41,400 on February 25, topping the previous record of 38,410 set January 13 and marking the first time volume has risen over 40,000 contracts. E-mini S&P 500 futures, which recently grew to become the Merc's third most actively traded futures contract, have traded an average volume of 34,167 daily in February, up from January's average of 31,726. Current open interest in the product stands at 21,284. Each E-mini S&P 500 futures contract is sized at USD50 times the S&P Stock Price Index and is one-fifth that of the CME's standard-size S&P 500 futures contract traded on the Merc since 1982. Positions in the smaller contract may be offset by trading against an equivalent dollar-value of standard-size S&P 500 futures. E-mini S&P 500 futures trade virtually around-the-clock, from 15:30. (Chicago time) each day until 15:15. the following day; on Sundays, trading begins at 17:30.